Hockessin, DE planting zone & frost dates
Hockessin is in USDA hardiness zone 7a. The last spring frost usually comes around April 19 and the first fall frost around October 26, for a growing season of about 189 days.
Planting calendar for Hockessin
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 19) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Feb 22 – Mar 8 Transplant outdoors: Apr 26 – May 3 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 Transplant outdoors: May 3 – May 10 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 Transplant outdoors: May 3 – May 10 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 Transplant outdoors: Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 Transplant outdoors: Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 26 – May 3 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 26 – May 3 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 26 – May 3 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 26 – May 3 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 8 – Mar 22 Transplant outdoors: Apr 26 – May 3 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 31 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 26).
Useful for zone 7a gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 1 | Apr 19 | May 3 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 8 | Oct 26 | Oct 11 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 3, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 11. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 5.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Hockessin
- 19707 zone 7a
Nearby cities
- Pike Creek Valley zone 7b, last frost Apr 7
- Newark zone 7b, last frost Apr 7
- Brookside zone 7b, last frost Apr 7
- Wilmington zone 7b, last frost Apr 7
- Bear zone 7b, last frost Apr 7
- Glasgow zone 7b, last frost Apr 7
- Middletown zone 7b, last frost Apr 7
- Smyrna zone 7b, last frost Apr 4
Questions
What growing zone is Hockessin, DE?
Hockessin is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7a (average extreme winter low 0°F to 5°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Hockessin?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Hockessin is April 19. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 3.
When can I plant tomatoes in Hockessin?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 26 – May 3. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Avondale 2 N, PA (USW00003761), 11.0 km (6.8 mi) from the city center, elevation 122 m, based on 14 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.